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The California Energy Commission has approved funding to advance development of a “microgrid” and expand electric vehicle charging at the University of California, San Diego.

The commission approved a $1.6 million award to increase its previously awarded funding of $1.39 million for the university's electric microgrid.

The commission also approved funding of $220,554 to expand the campus' burgeoning charging network for plug-in electric vehicles, through its Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program, created by Assembly Bill 118.

“The return on this investment extends far beyond the San Diego campus,” said Energy Commission Chair Robert B. Weisenmiller. “It provides a crucial real-life demonstration of technology that can help to provide California a future of clean, sustainable and reliable energy.”

The microgrid award is funded through the commission's research and development program. The total commission funding for the amended agreement is $2.99 million.

The university is providing an additional $1.52 million in matching funds. These funds will go toward, in part, analyzing multiple stand-alone energy storage technologies to further improve the microgrid.

San Diego County-based Alternative Energy Systems Consulting Inc. will receive the Energy Commission's award of $220,554 to purchase and install eight dual RWE Level 2 eStation Smart Systems, providing 16 charging outlets. This also includes the installation and assessment of the performance of three publicly accessible RWE DC fast chargers.